Right now, his younger sister was putting up a strong and brave front. Not only was he touched by her effort, but she had also convinced him that there was no need for him to worry about anything back home.
He lifted a hand to rub her head. A warm smile appeared on his lips. “Yup, you and Grandmother must stay safe and well while Father and I aren’t in the imperial capital, this goes especially for you. Take good care of yourself.”
His last sentence held a double meaning.
Lu Liangwei understood it.
He was worried about the politics within the Palace. She might end up being bullied, and he wanted her to be more careful.
“I know.” Lu Liangwei nodded as she teared up a little.
It was because her big brother and father were leaving this time to fight in a war, and not for going on a trip.
War was vicious and cruel. Once the battle started, it would not end anytime soon.
It could take half a year, a year, or even three to five years before they would be able to return.
There was a chill in Lu Liangwei’s heart. She could not bear for them to leave.
However, she was reluctant to reveal any sign of weakness, for fear that it would affect her big brother. It might distract him from giving his all once he arrived at the battlefield.
Long Yang walked up to her and held her shoulders. Even though he said nothing, he was silently consoling her.
Lu Liangwei looked at him. Her eyes were a little red. She was afraid Lu Tingchen would notice, so she quickly lowered her head.
“Big brother, there must be a lot on your plate to deal with since you have to leave in three days. I won’t make you stay for lunch. You should return home. Father must have many things to discuss with you too,” she said softly.
“Alright,” Lu Tingchen said, nodding.
He wanted to say something more but stopped himself in the end. “I’ll be taking my leave.”
As she watched her big brother’s tall and slender figure stride out of the room, Lu Liangwei anxiously called out, “Big brother, make sure you and Father stay safe. Grandmother, Mother, and I will be waiting for both of you to return to the imperial capital.”
Lu Tingchen stopped in his tracks. He did not turn back, but gave a wave of his hand as an indication of farewell.
Lu Liangwei watched him until he disappeared from sight. Her eyes were suddenly teary.
Long Yang sighed as he pressed her head against his chest. His hand patted her back gently. “Are you mad at me?”
Lu Liangwei was taken aback as she lifted her petite face to look at him. “What would I be mad at you about?”
“If it wasn’t for me sending them off to Danjue, they wouldn’t have needed to leave the imperial capital.”
Lu Liangwei realized what he was referring to as she replied in seriousness, “I can’t bear for my father and big brother to leave, but I do understand that it is their duty to protect the land of Great Shang. Moreover, if you decide to appoint them for this conquest, it means that you trust them well enough and approve of their capabilities. I should be proud of them. Why would I be mad at you, Your Majesty?”
Long Yang was relieved when he heard her words. “I can stop worrying now that I know how you feel. Although, there is no need for you to worry too much. Father-in-law and Tingchen will be fine. They are great talents of the Great Shang, and not just any ordinary folk.”
Lu Liangwei nodded in his arms.
Long Yang raised her little face, only to see her reddened eyes and nose. She must have felt really sad, but did not reveal her emotions when faced with Lu Tingchen just now.
This girl. She would sometimes put on such a brave front that it hurt him to see her this way.
He pulled her into his arms once again to console her gently. “Cry if you want to.”
He paused before continuing, “I promise not to make fun of you.”
Lu Liangwei went still for a while before wiping her wet face on his clothes. However, no tears fell from her eyes, and it did not seem like she even stained his clothes. Thus, she thought that she would wipe some snot on him, but she had none of that either, and she ended up abandoning the attempt.
Long Yang lowered his head to look at her when he heard her sigh. “Why are you sighing for no reason?”
Lu Liangwei pushed him away and turned to go back to her seat on the chair. Her chin rested on her hand as she darted him a look while saying softly, “I wanted to wipe some snot onto you, but there’s no snot. I’m just feeling a little disappointed.”
This was a common scene in television dramas and novels. Every time the female lead was hurt and depressed, she would immediately wipe her face on the male lead’s clothes and sleeves with her tears and snot.